It has been said that malice is not necessary to explain something when stupidity is sufficient. Likewise stupidity is not necessary to explain something when intention is sufficient.

For example, if the aim of public education is to teach the young to think critically and for themselves, then it is stupid failure. If on the other hand the the aim of public education is to dumb the young down and brainwash them, then it's a brilliant success. 

Remember, people often lie about their true aims.